§ 2.36 p.m.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I should like to ask Her Majesty's Government a Question of which I have given them Private Notice. Before asking the Question, may I say—and here, I am sure, I speak for the whole House—how glad we are to have the noble Marquess who leads the House back with us again, safe and sound from his journey. I hope that the temporary indisposition from which he suffered has been cured by that best of all doctors, a sea voyage. My Question is: Whether the noble Marquess will take the opportunity at some time of making a statement in your Lordships' House relating to the tasks which he undertook in the United States.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, I should like to thank the noble and learned Earl for the kind things he has said. I had an agreeable and interesting visit and, I hope, a fruitful one; but I am glad to be back. With regard to the statement, as your Lordships know, there is to be a debate on foreign affairs on the 29th of this month, and I should rather keep the main body of what I have to say until then. But I thought it might be for the convenience of the House if I made a brief 658 statement to-day, and I propose to do so at half-past three.
§ EARL JOWITTI am obliged to the noble Marquess. I do not know whether he can indicate at this stage if he will speak fairly early in the debate on foreign affairs, so that we may have an opportunity of dealing with his statement.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I think it will probably be for the convenience of the House if I speak first or second; and no doubt that can be arranged with the noble and learned Earl. In any event, I shall speak in the early stages of the debate.
§ EARL JOWITTI am obliged.